Like many people, Max Finn and his parents have been working and learning from their home in Jericho, Vermont, since March.
Max, who is 14, is on the autism spectrum. He enjoys regular, predictable routines, so he always looks forward to their UPS deliveries each week. For one thing, he adores all things truck-related. He also loves their driver and aspires to follow in his footsteps someday!
Kipp Youngman has worked for UPS for 28 years. “It’s just an extension of my life,”he told WCAX. “It’s not even a job. It never has been.â€
Every time Kipp’s truck pulls up in front of their home, Max gets very excited and runs to the door to greet his friend. Even though Max doesn’t usually speak or show emotion, his mom, Wendy Radcliffe, said there’s no denying his admiration for Kipp.
When Halloween was approaching, Max expressed a desire to dress up as a UPS driver. This has been his go-to costume for several years, but when Wendy mentioned it to Kipp in passing, it sparked an idea.
Kipp decided to encourage Max’s desire to work for UPS. He spoke to his supervisors and found out they have rules against giving uniforms to nonemployees, but they could provide other gear.
While Wendy made her son a uniform knockoff, Kipp went the extra mile to make a special delivery for his biggest fan!
He drove into Max’s yard one day and handed him a big box full of UPS swag. There was a winter hat, gloves, a vest, and (his favorite part) a toy UPS truck! The unexpected present put a rare smile on Max’s face. He even jumped for joy before wrapping his friend in a bear hug.
“What Kipp has done for me is kind of renew that belief that there are small acts of kindness that people can do that really make a difference,”Wendy said. “His kindness and his thoughtfulness for my son means a lot to me and my family.â€
As for Kipp, he maintains that the pleasure was all his. Watching the happiness his gift brought Max was all the payment he hoped for. In fact, the deed felt so right that he said giving to others is the reason we’re all here.
“Everybody has a purpose. Max has a purpose,”Kipp added. “Everybody has a purpose, and I guess I’m finding out my purpose right now.”
Max looks so handsome in that UPS uniform, and we absolutely love that smile on his face! Thank you, Kipp, for going out of your way to bring some sunshine into this family’s life!
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